The answer is complicated. On one hand, Viagra is a drug and most insurance companies will not cover drug costs. On the other hand, insurance companies do provide coverage for medical equipment and supplies that are typically used for treatment of an erection problem caused by erectile dysfunction (ED). In fact, many medical insurance policies do cover Viagra and many employers offer a premium-free medical care plan for their employees. Additionally, Medicare and Medicaid both cover the costs of Viagra for those who qualify.
To be clear, Viagra is not a cure all for erectile dysfunction. It works for some men but for many others it doesn’t. That being said, for those who do find it effective, the cost-effectiveness of Viagra is undeniable. In 2014, the drug was responsible for $14.9 billion in retail sales and has continued to grow steadily with no signs of slowing down.
Who is Impacted By This Question?
Anyone who has ever been denied coverage for Viagra or other ED medications because they are considered “drugs” will feel the impact of this question. Fortunately, there are alternatives to treating ED with prescription medication. Penile prosthesis implantation is one option that is covered by most insurance companies and is a common treatment for men who suffer from ED. If you are concerned about whether or not your insurance will cover Viagra, schedule an appointment with a local urologist today.
Will My Health Insurance Cover The Cost Of A Viagra Prescription?
The short answer is yes. Most insurance companies cover the cost of Viagra prescriptions for their members. You will, however, need to verify with your insurance company whether or not they cover the cost of a particular brand or type of Viagra. Many insurance companies have a form that you need to fill out to request coverage for a prescription drug or device. You can find this form near the end of the coverage section of your insurance statement. You must fill out this form every month that you are on the drug. It may take some time before your insurance company verifies your form and approves the coverage. Once they do, the coverage will be active for the remainder of the month.
What About Generic Viagra?
Generic Viagra is often mistakenly thought to be covered by health insurance. This is not the case. While generics are much cheaper than their brand-name counterparts, they are still considered “experimental” and are not covered by insurance policies. This being said, if you are looking to lower your pharmaceutical costs, generic Viagra is a wonderful option. Just make sure that you purchase it from an official source and in a pharmacy that is accredited by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). This way, you can be sure that you are purchasing a medication that is of high quality and will effectively treat your erectile dysfunction.
What About The Cost Of A Sex Therapy Session?
Sex therapy is a type of counseling or therapy that is designed to help patients explore their sexuality and understand the causes of their sexual problems. Sex therapy is not usually considered part of standard medical care but many insurance companies will cover the cost of one-on-one sessions with a therapist. If you are looking to address your erectile dysfunction (ED) through a non-pharmaceutical route, consider seeking out a sex therapist to help you work through the problems that you are facing. There are many benefits to sex therapy including the fact that it is often more effective than prescribing medication for ED. Additionally, some men who undergo sex therapy find that it helps them identify the root of their sexual problems which leads to a greater understanding of themselves and their partners.
What About Erectile Dysfunction In Other Countries?
Although the cost of a Viagra prescription may be covered by your insurance policy, this is not always the case. In many countries, including India and China, the cost of a single Viagra pill can be as much as a month’s pay. In these countries it is common for men to pay for sex therapy sessions and other forms of ED treatment out of pocket. If you are looking to treat your erectile dysfunction in a country where the cost of a single medication is excessive, it may be cheaper to pay out of pocket rather than seek coverage through your insurance policy. Look into whether or not your country’s healthcare system covers the cost of ED treatment. If it doesn’t, you may need to find a way to pay for it yourself.
When Should I Expect To Start Seeing Results From Treatment?
Although every case is different, most men who are treated for ED with Viagra experience some relief within two weeks. In some cases, men have reported an improvement in as little as 24 hours. Keep in mind that this is not an exact science and every person is different. Just because you don’t feel better after taking the drug for a certain amount of time doesn’t mean that it won’t help you out. It could save your life one day.
Are There Any Side Effects That I Should Be Mindful Of?
Although there are fewer side effects associated with ED treatment when compared to other medications that you may take for other conditions, there are still some that you need to be aware of. The most common side effect is headache which may be severe in some cases. Additionally, you may experience a metallic taste in your mouth or a reduction in hearing as a result of the drug. If you experience any other side effects not listed here, consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you think that this question is relevant to your own situation, please feel free to contact us today for a free consultation with one of our urologists.